By Kevin Murphy
All eyes will be on teenage sensation Cian Lynch this weekend as the rising star of Limerick hurling faces a Munster Championship semi-final against Tipperary on Sunday afternoon.
The 19-year-old forward captured the national headlines by scoring three points in a man-of-the-match performance against Clare in the opening round of the Munster Championship.
Lynch, who is a nephew of legendary Limerick hurler Ciaran Carey, oozes class and claimed the Player of the Month award at national level.
The mouth-watering contest this weekend will pit two of the leading sides in the hurling Championship but home advantage and the benefit of a game should help the home side.
Limerick boss TJ Ryan expressed confidence that Lynch will cope with the hype, pointing out that his famous family connections will help him on occasions like this.
“In a strange kind of way, with the achievements of his uncles there will be a certain amount of them that would say, ‘that’s what we expect him to do’.”
Limerick are chasing a unique three-in-a-row against their fierce rivals Tipperary who have a number of injury worries including their star attacker John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer. However Ryan is expecting a ferocious challenge from the Premier County.
Limerick overcame Tipperary in a thrilling encounter in Thurles last year.
Ryan said: “The reality is they’re a very good side. We know that. Right now, they’re favourites to win the All-Ireland in 2015. They have a very strong side squad, we know what they’re capable of but at the same time, we know what we’re capable of too.
“We’re the home team, we have a championship win under our belts. We will need to improve from the last day. I believe we will improve from the last day. I think we’re ready to have a right good go at this.”